Indonesian 2-year-old kicks smoking habit

Indonesia's smoking toddler has kicked the habit. Psychologist Seto Mulyadi, who took the child into his own home as part of rehabilitation efforts, said Friday the boy has stopped asking for cigarettes.

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Aldi Rizal, a 2-year-old who smoked up to two packs a day, is seen in this undated image taken from video.

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The Associated Press

Date: Fri. Sep. 3 2010 8:34 AM ET

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia's smoking toddler has kicked the habit.

Footage of 2-year-old Aldi Rizal -- who smoked up to two packs a day -- puffing away circulated the Internet in May and sparked an international outcry. His parents said he'd throw tantrums every time they tried to stop him from lighting up.

Psychologist Seto Mulyadi, who took the child into his own home as part of rehabilitation efforts, said Friday the boy has stopped asking for cigarettes.

He said Aldi picked up the habit because virtually every man in his fishing village in South Sumatra province smokes.

When removed from that environment, and offered a wide range of activities, including playing and drawing, he no longer had the urge, the psychologist said.

Aldi's father gave him his first cigarette when he was just 18-months-old, relatives have said.

Comments are now closed for this story

Mike G. in Mississauga
said

@ Bradford: I am an ex smoker, (I smoked for 23 years) and I have to tell you that quitting smoking was one of the most difficult things I have had to do. Yes, before I quit, I had full knowledge of the dangers from smoking, but it took many tries before I was able to quit. I congratulate the Doctor and the child for this accomplishment. To everyone else who so freely criticizes the parents, although I do not condone the parents� actions, it is easier to criticize others without realizing the environment they are in. The article states all the men smoke; the child was trying to emulate them, just like they do here. Yes it would have been prudent for the parents to deny the child any cigarettes, but don�t we do the same thing with our children with consumerism or food?

Bradford
said

For the ill assuming I smoked for 17 years and gave it up cold turkey - I know well the addictive power of smoking both physically as well as emotionally. The biggest obstacle smokers face when quitting are three words "I'LL TRY IT" .... don't bother if all you are prepared to do is "try". The psychological will power has to be more than just a "TRY". You have to want to ditch it above all else and if you do you will quit.

Kathleen
said

The serious dangers of smoking obviously aren't taught in Indonesia. I would think it high time that some of our aid agencies should be bringing that information and programs to the region to get that behaviour stopped. If that were in N. Am. I'd say put the father in jail for child endangerment, however if you're unaware of the actual dangers, which this father may have been, can we do anything more than educate at this stage? There are lots of kids start smoking here at very young ages because they think it 'the cool thing to do'; but actual ignorance on the subject is a different matter. Education is a very important key here.

M. Sydney NS
said

What worries me is what is going to happen to this child once he is reinstated into his village where he sees all his male role models smoking again? What is the good of behavior modification for the boy if his parents are not properly educated and made aware of the danger they are putting their child in? I hope that while this young boy is learning healthier play habits and how to make better choices that the necessary changes are going on at home to ensure his continued success...

Rick in NB, Ste Marie
said

Sato Mulyadi must need business, because this story is a load of crap. And posts like Bradford's show how little they know about addiction. This kid must have gone through hell during withdrawl.

Earthwatcher
said

How hard could this be? He's TWO for heavens sake!! Just stop providing the death sticks to the little guy and problem solved. Double thumbs down to whomever started him on it (he certainly didn't make the decision to smoke on his own) and even more so for perpetuating it into a habit.He probably would have kicked up a huge fuss for a day or two after being cut off but so what? A no brainer.

Slewhigh Yendick
said

Good God man !!! Whats the matter with this world?? I was twelve years old before I was even allowed to play with MATCHES !!!!!!!!I guess I was mis-treated by my parents,, too late to have the nanny state to sue them for child abuse as they are both in their late 80's..

Dennis L. Krahn
said

'....his father gave him his first cigarette when he was 18 months old...???? God save us from morons!

Bradford
said

You'd think if we can get a two year old to quit then how come adults won't quit despite knowing they face cancers and heart disease from being a smoke sucker? What is it with people who are so unwilling to face reality when it comes to their own demise? Your soul will live forever but your body won't and it will die prematurely due to smoking in all likelihood. Besides that you stink when you are a smoker.

Kyle
said

Well I Guess it's Good he quit but what the hell ? I am speechless.

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